Minister V. Kondratovičius Together with the Presidents of Lithuania and Finland Visited the Belarus Border
Together with the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, and the visiting President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, Minister of the Interior Vladislavas Kondratovičius visited the Padvarionys Border Guard Station and the Border Guard School of Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service (VSAT).
During the visit, officials discussed the security situation along the European Union’s external border, the challenges posed by hybrid threats, and regional cooperation in strengthening border protection.
According to Minister V. Kondratovičius, Lithuania is currently facing continuous, coordinated hybrid aggression from Belarus aimed not only at Lithuania’s national security, but also at the security of the entire European Union.
“We are witnessing systematic attempts to destabilize our region through the instrumentalization of migration, smuggling, violations of airspace, and information operations. Actions organized by hostile regimes are intended to increase tensions and undermine regional security. That is why strong border protection and a united European response are especially important today,” Minister of the Interior emphasized.
Lithuania continues to invest consistently in strengthening state border protection, implementing technological solutions, and enhancing cooperation among institutions.
This year, Lithuanian border guards prevented 724 irregular migrants from entering the country illegally from Belarus through unauthorized crossing points. In 2025, VSAT officers blocked 1,652 attempts by foreign nationals to enter Lithuania illegally. Since the beginning of the migration crisis, Lithuanian border guards have prevented a total of 25,348 irregular migrants from entering the country.
Since November 24 of last year, intensified preventive measures have been carried out at the border together with the State Border Guard Service, the Customs Criminal Service, and the Military Police. During this period, authorities intercepted 134 balloons used to transport contraband. More than 376,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes were seized, 19 pre-trial investigations were launched, and 72 individuals were detained.
Last year, balloons flown from Belarus disrupted more than 300 flights at Vilnius Airport, affecting around 47,000 passengers. Airport operations were disrupted for nearly 60 hours in total.
Lithuania continues to strengthen border security by deploying advanced surveillance systems, modern weaponry, and close cooperation with allies and neighboring countries.
Photos: Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania / Robertas Dačkus